Highland Woods Housing

Highland Woods in Northern Berkshire County is a zero-net affordable senior housing project to house families displaced by Tropical Storm Irene. At 44,000 square feet, the three story building consists of 40 apartment units, a community room, offices, sun rooms and other tenant-related services. Strict thermal envelope and sustainable building practices are used in its construction. The building is oriented south for optimum solar and to allow space for a courtyard and garden for the tenants.

Berkshire Housing Development Corporation and the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development entered into an option on a four acre parcel of land owned by Williams College. The College donated the land for the purposes of developing affordable rental housing for families. One hundred and sixty mobile homes were destroyed by Irene, which displaced close to 300 people.